Saving NuNu

Most of you know the story of NuNu, the horse that was ridden on the Dan Ryan expressway on September 21, 2020.  If you are not aware please see the link below:

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/09/22/family-of-dreadhead-cowboy-wants-to-know-why-he-hasnt-been-released-from-custody-after-dan-ryan-horse-ride/

NuNu was taken to Chicago Animal Care and Control where she collapsed.  Immediate emergency care was needed as she was transferred to a private farm and an equine specialty veterinarian met her to provide emergency care.  NuNu's body temperature was still extremely high and she required fluids as she was severely dehydrated to the point it was life threatening. NuNu also has injuries to her legs which will be discussed in greater detail when appropriate as this is an ongoing legal case. She was given pain medication during her examination and remains on pain medication at this time.

NuNu spends much of her time lying down as she is still in extreme pain. Volunteers walk her every two hours for short periods of time or she becomes too stiff and it's even more difficult for her to get up and moving.  Dr. P approximates NuNu at over 20 years old with a heart murmur.  ASA Deboni's statement comparing this incident to that of "forcing an 80 year old woman to run a full marathon"  is accurate.

NuNu is a beautiful horse, both inside and outside.  She's tired right now but that doesn't stop her from her interest in people and always seeking out an ear scratch.  She's not shy about a gentle nudge to remind you to keep scratching either. In  the horse world it is said a horse has a kind eye. We feel that she owns that phrase, she is so very kind.  NuNu showed the true heart of a horse by doing what was asked of her on the Dan Ryan that day even though she was laboring.  NuNu gave it her all that day because that's the kind of horse she is.....a warrior.  She's not out of the woods yet and we are relying on that brave, fighting spirit she showed that day as the world watched her struggle.

Much thought and discussion happened in the last few days.  It was decided in honor of NuNu and the message that was lost in translation that we will start a program for the children in the areas where the violence is taking place.  Give us a week or two to get it organized but the plan is to open the farm once a month to a limited amount of children who will experience life on the farm. The children will have the opportunity to interact with many types of farm animals and learn about the care each animal requires. Hopefully this will fall into line with the wounded warrior program that is currently in planning stages, more on that later. Once we have the details worked out we will post in the updates on this page along with NuNu updates of course.

To clarify,  the beneficiary of these funds is NuNu. The property manager, who is the organizer of this campaign, will be collecting the funds and will see to it that these funds will be dispensed as NuNu's medical care dictates.

The camp for children will be conducted utilizing volunteers to educate children in the care of animals.  As this will be volunteer based there will be little to no cost to the farm. We have no intention to use the funds raised for NuNu's medical care for this program. We apologize for the confusion. 

Thank you to each and every person who shared good thoughts and said a prayer for the old girl, it's working!